Port-au-Prince, 12 October 2016: More than 100 tonnes of relief items despatched by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and member National Red Cross Societies are among the first to have arrived in Port-au-Prince over the past week, bringing essential humanitarian assistance to people affected by the fierce Hurricane Matthew.

“Within days of the storm passing, Haiti Red Cross volunteers were in communities distributing pre-positioned supplies such as blankets, tarpaulins, water purification tablets and hygiene kits,” said Steve McAndrew, IFRC Head of Emergency Operations.

“Haiti Red Cross volunteers are now distributing newly arrived items - including in remote areas in Les Cayes and Jérémie – including items to help prevent the spread of cholera such as water purification tablets, chlorine solution and hygiene kits.”

“One of the biggest challenges right now is accessing remote areas which can only be reached by helicopter or boat. Red Cross volunteers are taking with them as many essential items as possible, and often need they have to walk for kilometres to reach remote communities,” added Mr McAndrew.

“Our past experience in Haiti has shown us that the key to recovery is working with local people to deliver long-lasting aid and support. With its strong community links and track record in disaster management, Haiti Red Cross is delivering desperately needed support to the many women, children and men whose lives have been shattered by the hurricane.”

Red Cross relief items that have arrived in Haiti include:

ITEMS

QUANTITY

HYGIENIC KITS

2,099

BUCKETS plastic, 14L

3,003

JERRYCANS

6,040

TARPAULINS

8,830

SHELTER TOOL KITS

3,999

KITCHEN SETS

8,780

MOSQUITO NETS

2,500

Another cargo plane transporting relief goods is expected to arrive in Port-au-Prince in the coming days.

The IFRC is appealing for 6.8 million Swiss francs (6.9 million US dollars) to provide medical, shelter, water and sanitation assistance to 50,000 people in the storm-ravaged southwest of Haiti.

Donations can be made here to support the Red Cross response to Hurricane Matthew.